The Rain Couldn’t Keep the Moon from Rising at Moonrise 2017

by Charlotte Vosbeck

Another year has come and gone at Moonrise Festival, Baltimore and Washington DC’s flagship festival. Since 2014 Steez Promo and Club Glow have been successfully putting on Moonrise, each year getting a little more organized and a little bit better with production. This year they had around 40 acts per day with big names in the industry including Afrojack, Big Gigantic, Gramatik, Dillstradamus (Dillon Francis x Flosstradamus), Porter Robinson, Pretty Lights, and Migos. Moonrise had four stages this year: Stellar stage, Lunar stage, Solar Dance Tent, and Celestial Stage. They wildly improved the Stellar stage this year giving it a cool multi-tower structure.

Unfortunately on Saturday festival-goers were a little bit disappointed when a batch of severe weather hit the area and we had to be evacuated from the venue for several hours. In my opinion, I think the staff handled the situation the best that they could have because fans were extremely rowdy and anxious to get back into the venue. Most people who stayed and waited out the storm were in the grand stands of the race course. A couple of highly anticipated acts had to be missed but once we got back into the venue everyone was dancing and enjoying their time again. Moonrise kindly extended Saturday day passes to include Sunday because of the weather. That was an excellent move on their part.

Some notable acts from day one include Gramatik and Zeds Dead who both performed on the Lunar Stage. RL Grime dropped some filth while he was in the Solar Dance Tent. This was the place for the Moonrise fans that wanted to hear some heavy bass and trap music.

The second day at Moonrise was definitely my favorite. Everyone’s energy was at an all time high and the weather forecast showed no signs of another storm. Fans trenched through the mud all day to see some of their favorite artists. Jai Wolf and Porter Robinson created a magical moment for everyone watching their respective sets. Porter Robinson played his Worlds set but with some new and improved twists and surprises. I think most people would agree when I say that Dillstradamus blew everyone out of the water. The set was unique and fun and an amazing way to end the weekend at the Stellar stage.

Overall we didn’t let a little rain keep us down and the moon still rose over Pimlico Race Course to create another special festival experience. They provided excellent hospitality, food vendors, merchandise and memorabilia. I’m looking forward to see what 2018 holds for Moonrise Festival.